MARIEL

18~ Afraid. Neutral. Sad. Angry. ~

"Some of the ways that we test your abilities might disturb you today, Ahdam. You will not be hurt, nor will anyone that you love. Do you understand?"

Ahdam's eyes caught those of Adela.

Her voice was soft, wavering. It was as if she were also afraid of the implications. Concerned. As if even she didn't know what these tests might entail. She fidgeted, pulling her fingers, cracking her knuckles as she looked across the room where Ahdam sat.

Relaying the information, Diane hovered over Adela and occasionally pursed her thin lips as Adela spoke to the child. Diane's eyes were still beady, still hateful, and her voice was always harsh. Everytime she looked at Ahdam, the boy wanted to tear her eyes from her face and feed them to the fish in the lake.

As he sat with his knees up, his arms wrapped around the bony structures, Ahdam returned his attention to Adela and spoke from his mind. The words came across the screen.

'I understand. What are the requirements?'

Softly, Adela spoke. "Just do as we ask. We'll be getting out of this room and going into another to start the tests. Are you well-fed? Do you need anything?" Her questions of concern were her own. Ahdam could tell, because he saw Diane look at Adela with an inquisitive frown.

'I am fine. I am ready. Will my mother be there?'

Adela glanced at Diane, spoke to her, received her reply, and then turned back to Ahdam. "No. We'd rather you not have the distraction. Are you ready for a walk?"

'I don't have a choice.'

"Ahdam, you've done very well since Mr. Donovan spoke with you. He will be there to cheer you on as well. You should be very proud, as he is a very important man."

Ahdam did not care and, frankly, despised the suited man. Anyone who threatened his father deserved to die. Catching his breath, he glanced up, relieved that his thoughts did not make it to the screen. Then, he stood.

'I'm ready.'

For what, though?

"Remember that you have a sedation chip inside of you. If you lose control, or misbehave in any manner, it will be utilized." Adela held up the remote.

Ahdam approached the doorway and waited for the women to follow. He felt as though he were swimming in the oversized t-shirt and athletic shorts that they had given him. For the first time, however, he finally felt comfortable. He supposed it wasn't entirely bad. In order to live in a comfortable atmosphere unlike any he had ever known, he simply had to listen to the White Coats' instructions.

In the hallway, the women walked at his side, speaking to each other in the language that he didn't understand. He had begun to respond to certain words however, the ones he heard that were most commonly used. Words such as: 'yes', 'no', 'please', 'stop', 'calm', and 'hello'. He tried to connect the words to the actions of the individuals saying them. While he was here, he decided he might as well attempt to learn key words. Perhaps, one day, it could help him escape and bring his family together again. It would take work, but he was willing.

Down the hallways they went, deeper and deeper into the corridors. They were soon in a location that appeared to be far separated from the area to which he was accustomed. It was another corridor, and Ahdam assessed the area with curious eyes. The walls held massive, steel doors with thick bolts. Keypads were located on each door. It looked like another security system. He wondered whom, or what, lived behind the walls.

"Almost there, Ahdam," Adela said. Her voice shook a little.

After Diane's plump fingers tapped the keypad, the trio entered a condensed, white-walled room. It was nearly empty, containing only a bench, a sink, and a rack where multiple strange-looking coveralls hung from a hanger. Ahdam noticed another latched door across the room, and he could hear muffled voices.